Context:

The New Orleans Saints are preparing to start $10.8 million quarterback Tyler Shough in case Derek Carr is unable to play due to a shoulder injury. With Carr sidelined, Shough, a recent second-round draft pick, is expected to take the reins under the guidance of the team's new coaching staff, led by Kellen Moore. Carr, facing accusations of faking his injury, has been vocal in defending his condition, criticizing media outlets and individuals perpetuating false narratives. Despite providing evidence of his injury, Carr remains frustrated with the public discourse and the need to justify his situation. The uncertainty surrounding Carr's future availability has led to speculation about Shough's potential as a starter this season.

Dive Deeper:

• Derek Carr's shoulder injury has cast doubt on his ability to lead the New Orleans Saints, prompting the team to consider Tyler Shough as the potential starting quarterback. The injury has sparked controversy, with some critics suggesting that Carr is feigning his condition to avoid playing.

• Tyler Shough, drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, is seen as a promising yet scrutinized choice for the Saints, especially given the team's new coaching structure under Kellen Moore. Shough's draft selection drew parallels to other contentious picks, such as Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

• Carr has publicly addressed allegations regarding his injury, emphasizing that he has medical documentation and has been in regular communication with the team about his condition. He has expressed frustration with the false narratives being spread by media outlets and individuals.

• The Saints' decision to potentially start Shough hinges on Carr's recovery timeline, with the coaching staff weighing their options based on Carr's health status. Moore's leadership and strategic planning play a crucial role in navigating this quarterback dilemma.

• Carr's vocal defense against critics highlights his struggle with public perception and the pressure to prove the legitimacy of his injury. This situation underscores the broader issue of the scrutiny athletes face in the era of social media and public opinion.

• The Saints may not get another chance to witness Derek Carr take the reins of the offense, with the 34-year-old out with a shoulder injury. New Orleans likely will see what they have with their recent second-round NFL draft pick, Tyler Shough, though.

• USA Today’s Nick Brinkerhoff reports that Shough “figures” to be the starter this season with Carr riding the pine.

• “...the Saints are operating with a new coaching staff led by Kellen Moore and just drafted a quarterback in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, taking Tyler Shough out of Louisville,” Brinkerhoff wrote.

• “Shough figures to be the starter next season if Carr is sidelined, but Moore could have options if Carr is healthy enough to play.”

• Shough was one of the more questionable picks in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL draft, receiving similar levels of scrutiny to the Browns’ picking Dillon Gabriel in the third round before taking Shedeur Sanders in the fifth.

• Derek Carr denies shoulder injury is ‘fake’ so he can not play for Saints

  Carr, meanwhile, has been publicly defending his shoulder injury from critics who have accused the QB of faking it just to sit out and collect paychecks from the Saints organization. Carr called out ESPN by name and insisted random podcasters are running with the fake injury narrative.

• “Yes, I have to say this,” Carr said. “I hate that I have to say this, but I have to say this. Yes, I have a shoulder injury, despite what ESPN says. And what some lady on a podcast might think, OK? I have an MRI report to prove it. The team knows about it. We’ve been in constant communication. There’s nothing wrong. We’re figuring it out, and we’re gonna go forward with that. Is that OK?

• “And I’ve been dealing with this, and I’ve been dealing with people lying about me and I’ve been dealing with them saying this and this and that, and I’m like, ‘Lord, why do I have to continue to deal with this nonsense? Like, what is going on?’ And I said that to a preface with you never know what someone’s really going through.

• “And so why do we continually try to attack people? And I would say attack people that are trying to do things maybe the right way. Why do we continually try — why do we always have to have an opinion? Why do we — Twitter and Instagram has ruined things for some people? Because now all these people think that they have voices that have to be heard, and so like some people’s voices don’t need to be heard right now. I’ve just got to be honest with you. Because not one of our opinions in here matters. Did you know that? The only opinion that matters is that text right there. It is the word of God. And everything must bow at that.”

• Carr’s lashing out is a sign he probably has plenty of time before he ever suits up again in the NFL. If he ever does.